Achieve a Sun-Kissed Pregnancy Glow with Safe Self Tanners

Achieving a Beautiful Glow with Pregnancy-Safe Self Tanners

Many women strive to maintain a radiant complexion throughout pregnancy. With exposure to sun often limited during pregnancy, self tanning has become a popular option amongst expecting mothers. While most self tanners available offer a safe alternative to UV rays, choosing a formula designed specifically for pregnancy provides the greatest reassurance.

Are Self Tanners Typically Safe During Pregnancy?

Standard self tanning lotions utilize a compound called dihydroxyacetone (DHA) which interacts with the amino acids and proteins found within the outermost layer of the skin. Considered low risk for expecting mothers. However, some self tanners contain additional ingredients which can absorb into the bloodstream and impact fetal development.

The safest approach is to utilize a tanner specifically labeled as “pregnancy-safe”. These feature all natural, hypoallergenic formulations containing nontoxic levels of DHA.

Benefits of Pregnancy-Safe Self Tanners

Self tanning options deemed safe for expecting mothers provide many benefits including:

• Avoiding increased pigmentation
• Minimizing pregnancy mask appearance
• Boosting vitamin D
• Hiding stretch marks and varicose veins
• Camouflaging skin issues caused by hormonal fluctuations

Healthy formulas can safely deliver a radiant glow without jeopardizing mom or baby.

What to Look for in a Pregnancy Self Tanner

The best self tanners for pregnancy feature natural self tanning actives like:

• DHA derived from sugar beets, rather than synthetically
• Natural sources of tyrosine amino acids and copper peptides

with strict exclusion of endocrine disrupting chemicals including:

• Parabens
• Phthalates
• DEA (diethanolamine)
• TEA (triathanolamine)
• Formaldehyde

Dermatologist tested options also provide assurance of safety and effectiveness.

Essential Precautions with Self Tanning While Pregnant

While approved self tanners are generally safe when usage directions are correctly followed, pregnant women should still exercise caution with:

• Patch testing before full body application
• Avoiding contact with eyes, lips and other sensitive areas
• Washing hands thoroughly after application

Periodic skin tests should also be completed during pregnancy to check for possible allergy development as women experience heightened skin sensitivity while expecting.

Technique Matters When Self Tanning During Pregnancy

In addition to choosing an appropriate self tanning formula, utilizing proper technique makes all the difference in achieving an even, natural looking glow while pregnant. Here are helpful application tips for moms-to-be.

Exfoliate Skin Thoroughly

Exfoliating prepares skin by sloughing off any dry, flaky patches so self tanner absorbs evenly for a smooth finish.

• Use an exfoliating glove, scrub or chemical exfoliant containing AHA
• Pay special attention to elbows, knees and ankles
• Rinse thoroughly after exfoliating

Apply Self Tanning Barrier Products

Barrier creams provide a protective shield against tanner absorption on trickier body zones prone to heavy staining like:

• Cuticles
• Nails
• Joints
• Palms

Simply swipe barrier cream across areas to keep clean before self tanning.

Use Gradual Self Tanning Formulas

Gradual self tanners are ideal for pregnancy since color develops slowly over multiple applications. This makes it easy to build customized color depth while allowing you to promptly rinse if sensitivity occurs.

Blend Thoroughly Over Knees, Elbows and Ankles

Focus application on drier areas around joints which absorb excess tanning solution quickly. Blend self tanner thoroughly using long, circular motions for even toning.

Use a Tanning Mitt for Flawless Finishes

Tanning mitts provide added slip and smooth blending all over for perfectly even coverage. The moisture-locking texture also keeps the self tanning formula from absorbing too rapidly for greater control.

Maintaining Sun-Kissed Radiance Postpartum & Beyond

A pregnancy safe self tan delivers beautiful results during and after pregnancy. However color inevitably begins fading within 3-10 days as skin cells naturally exfoliate. Here’s how to make that glow last longer.

Hydrate Skin Daily

Dry, dehydrated skin sheds faster, taking your golden glow along with it. Maintain youthful skin and extend tan by:

• Applying antioxidant, vitamin enriched lotions daily
• Using gentle scrubs 2-3 times a week postpartum
• Implementing a customized skincare regimen

Reapply Gradual Self Tanner

Refresh your sun-kissed glow using a pregnancy safe, gradual self tanner 1-2 times a week. This provides easy, low maintenance touch-ups.

Choose Wash-Off Formulas for Quick Color Changes

Wash-off self tanners allow moms to remove color quickly after pregnancy. Rinse unwanted tanner away after a certain number of hours for custom color control.

Implementing pregnancy safe self-tanning best practices leaves expecting mamas looking gorgeous without compromise. Do your research to discover the ideal natural glow for you!

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.